Since our recent mountain lion attacks upon dogs in the valley, I go out with my dogs every time they are outside. Even during the day, a few weeks ago, there was a mountain lion spotted and captured on video just 2 blocks from my home! Even though I own big dogs, I am very cautious and so are most all dog owners throughout the valley.
So often, we take our puppy to a puppy class that lasts from 4 to 8 weeks, and then feel we have done what we need to do to teach our pup skills for a life time. While that class or private instruction is imperative to having a well behaved dog, it is only part of the equation.
I love my dog so much, she is my Fur Baby! This is anthropomorphism. What is anthropomorphism? It is humanizing dogs. Dogs are NOT furry humans. The media and pet suppliers, the dog training community and dog care specialist have begun to refer to dogs as “fur babies”, or “fur children”. Not a day goes by that we don’t see dogs in clothes that make them look like little children. I posted a photo on the Positive Puppy FaceBook page that had a Weimaraner with painted toenails and a bracelet on her leg.
What is a gateway behavior? It is any behavior that leads to more destructive behaviors and even aggression. What might seem like a simple or even cute dog behavior may, in fact, be leading to more very undesirable behaviors in the future. It can be very difficult for anyone to anticipate where a behavior might go - unless they have had years and years of experience with a multitude of dogs.
NO! It’s not a carry along poop bag although having poop bags is a MUST! A “Go Bag” for your dog is a bag that you can put all of your dog related training and first aid equipment in. It should be monitored regularly to be sure you have what you need so you are never anxiously looking for something AFTER you have left the house.
So many of my clients, if not all, have asked me what to do about other dogs that will “mug” their dog while out recreating. What is mugging? It is when a loose dog runs up to another dog, full speed and gets into the first dog’s space. Yes, dogs do have spatial needs just like people. This is especially true of herding dogs such as Aussies, Border Collies, German Shepherds and many others since they use their space to push livestock in the correct direction. How would you feel if someone you didn’t know came up to you and hugged you and kissed you, or yelled at you? I sure wouldn’t like that.
It is now February 2023. This month the American Heart Association makes a special effort to help educate women about heart disease. Since I am a survivor of a heart attack, I really feel committed to sharing this story AGAIN because it DOES p
I just finished looking at an online magazine about beautiful homes and dogs. Almost every photo showed a dog sleeping on the sofa, on the bed or other furniture. It’s lovely to think we love our dogs so much that their comfort becomes an unselfish concern! However, with all things there are two sides.
We are all in this pandemic together, including our dogs! Living with a high energy dog when we are staying home to prevent the further spread of the Covid-19 Virus can be incredibly challenging! However, there are ways to enrich our relationship with our dog in easy, fun ways!
I’ve been training dogs for 35 years now, professionally for 25 years. Prior to that, I did my share of riding as well. In my teenager years, I showed competitively in Hunter/Jumper and dressage, pretty hard core. In fact, in my first show with my first horse, I beat 3 of my riding instructors in Hunter/Jumper. I still look at that in total astonishment! In several big shows back in Michigan I won High Point Champion winning in both Hunter/Jumper and dressage. I had a very difficult horse that was not from champion stock, but rather a big grade palomino horse my parents bought for me for a $1. Yup. I had two sisters in college
AFTER AN EXTENDED MEDICAL LEAVE, I WILL BE RETURNING TO WORK MARCH 1st!
